At Dr. Conor Gessell’s dental practice in Southern Pines, we believe in both treating dental issues and preventing them before they occur. Custom mouthguards represent one of the most effective preventive tools available, providing protection for patients with various needs. Unlike generic, store-bought options, our professionally crafted mouthguards offer superior protection, comfort, and durability tailored specifically to your mouth.
Understanding Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards are precisely fitted oral appliances designed to protect your teeth and surrounding tissues from damage. Dr. Gessell provides several types of mouthguards, each serving different protective purposes. Athletic mouthguards shield teeth during sports and physical activities, significantly reducing the risk of dental injuries. Night guards protect against the damaging effects of teeth grinding and clenching during sleep. For patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), specialized guards can help position the jaw properly to alleviate pain and prevent further joint damage.
Unlike one-size-fits-all options available in stores, custom mouthguards are created from precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring optimal fit and effectiveness. This customization not only improves comfort and wearability but also provides significantly better protection by distributing impact forces evenly across your dental arch.
The Importance of Athletic Mouthguards
Sports-related dental injuries account for a significant percentage of dental emergencies, with many activities posing particular risks. Even non-contact sports like skateboarding or mountain biking carry substantial dental injury risks during falls or collisions.
At our Southern Pines practice, Dr. Gessell creates custom athletic mouthguards that protect against knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, cut lips, and even help reduce concussion risk by cushioning blows to the jaw. These mouthguards are designed with appropriate thickness in crucial areas while remaining comfortable enough to allow normal breathing and speaking during activity.
Parents often note that children are more likely to consistently wear custom guards due to their superior comfort. For competitive athletes, properly fitted mouthguards can even enhance performance by allowing easier breathing and communication compared to bulky over-the-counter alternatives.
Night Guards for Bruxism Protection
Many patients unknowingly grind or clench their teeth during sleep, a condition known as bruxism. This unconscious habit exerts tremendous pressure on teeth, often leading to worn enamel, cracked teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even receding gums over time. The damage accumulates gradually, with many patients unaware of their condition until significant problems develop.
Dr. Gessell’s custom night guards create a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact and distributing grinding forces harmlessly. Unlike generic options, our custom guards are precisely designed to match your bite pattern, providing effective protection while maintaining comfort throughout the night.
For patients who have invested in cosmetic or restorative dental work, night guards are especially important for protecting these investments from premature wear or damage. Many patients report reduced morning headaches and jaw soreness after beginning to wear their custom night guard.
The Custom Mouthguard Process
Creating your custom mouthguard at our Southern Pines practice involves a simple, comfortable process. During your initial appointment, Dr. Gessell will evaluate your specific needs and discuss the appropriate type of mouthguard for your situation. He’ll then take precise dental impressions to capture the exact shape and alignment of your teeth.
These impressions are sent to a specialized dental laboratory where your mouthguard is crafted from high-quality, durable materials. Depending on the intended use, Dr. Gessell selects appropriate materials and thickness to balance protection with comfort. When your mouthguard is complete, you’ll return for a fitting appointment where Dr. Gessell ensures proper fit and comfort, making any necessary adjustments.
Maintaining Your Custom Mouthguard
With proper care, your custom mouthguard can provide years of protection. Dr. Gessell recommends rinsing your mouthguard with cool water before and after each use and cleaning it regularly with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. When not in use, store your mouthguard in its ventilated case to allow airflow and prevent bacterial growth.
Bring your mouthguard to regular dental check-ups so Dr. Gessell can assess its condition and fit, ensuring it continues to provide optimal protection. For growing children and adolescents, replacement may be needed more frequently as their dental structure changes.
Investing in Prevention
The cost of a custom mouthguard represents a small investment compared to the potential expense of treating dental injuries or repairing damage from chronic grinding. Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for custom mouthguards, particularly when prescribed for specific medical conditions like documented bruxism or TMJ disorders.
At our practice, we believe that preventive care is always more comfortable, less expensive, and healthier than treating problems after they occur. Custom mouthguards exemplify this philosophy by protecting your smile before damage occurs.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you play sports, experience morning jaw pain, or have been told you grind your teeth at night, contact our Southern Pines dental office at 910-390-1259 or request a dental exam online. A custom mouthguard could be the simple solution that protects your smile for years to come.